Electronic-voting systems (also called personal-response systems) are now common in education. Typically, they will consist of a number of handsets and software that will need to be loaded on to the presenter's computer. The teacher will load a series of questions into the presentation computer and display them during face-to-face teaching. Learners will use the handsets to vote for a series of options. A graphical representation of the voting is usually then displayed (and the correct answer, if appropriate). Learners can be identified or anonymous. Although questions are usually answered by TRUE or FALSE, or by choosing one of a series of options, handsets are increasingly allowing text input. This significantly increases the sophistication of the questions that can be asked although you will need to add in significantly more time per question if you ask for sentences (not everyone can text or type at speed!). Voting systems are useful for obtaining quick feedback during the session, breaking up a long session by providing interaction, checking learning by asking or testing knowledge or influencing a search strategy by choosing keywords that you subsequently use in a live search. Tips for effective use of voting systems include:

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